Author Archives: Anwesha Chatterjee

One Last Word: Part 3

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My fellow bloggers and some of my very accomplished classmates decided to collaborate to write about our best experiences about McCombs in the last two years.

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY) 

Alex Niebruggie broke his arm but that did not stop him from going on a global trip

Blogger Morgan Simental used this opportunity to explore Texas and found ways to make the most of his adventures

Well the rollercoaster called the Texas MBA is now coming to an end.  Like all roller coasters, when you first see it, you ask yourself, “How am I going able to survive that thing?”  You get on and before you know it you’re going at light speed!  There are definitely some highs and lows, twists and turns, flips and dips but all the while you have people right next to you with the same excitement that you have.  Now it’s coming to a close and like all rides, the adrenaline is still pumping and you can’t help but want to get on again for one last ride.  It has been truly an unbelievable experience that I will never forget and I push anyone to challenge themselves and make that step to get on the rollercoaster.  I assure you, it will be worth it!

 

William Merchad joined McCombs just to work for the Investment Fund

The MBA Investment Fund is the oldest, and one of the largest, student-run mutual funds in the nation. It is THE #1 reason I chose to come to Texas and I have not been disappointed. If you are interested in Finance or Investment Management, this is the BEST education money can buy! “The Fund” is literally life-changing! The MBA Investment Fund, Venture Fellows, and the REIT Fund are truly “flag-ship” programs for McCombs.

 

Jany at South America - one of her many firsts while at McCombs

Blogger Jany Xu had so many firsts

Graduation is right around the corner (as long as I’ve passed all my classes), and I’m already nostalgic looking back on some of my best first experiences.  So without further interruption, here’s my list of firsts with my McCombs MBA. The McCombs MBA global trip to Argentina and Chile was my first trip to Latin America.  From discussing current economic conditions with executives at Citibank and the Central Bank to historic tours of La Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron addressed her people to late nights eating our way through Puerto Madero, this trip was in one word, a blast.  And of course, I got this posh picture out of it as well. Read the entire post here.

 

Sid Allen lived up to his dream of starting a new business

The highlight of my experience was Texas Venture Labs (TVL), which is the best entrepreneurial training around. Targeted at graduate students who want to start their own business, it has helped me enormously in my own endeavor, Escapaide, a recommendation engine for travelers. After I graduate, I’ll continue work as a TVL partner, which is a paid fellowship allowing me to continue building my company. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

 

Kristina (second from right) and friends show Longhorn spirit at the Texas State Fair during Texas-OU weekend.

Kristina Hoock was a MAC co-chair. She helped to select the class of 2014

As graduation nears, and I think about my last two years at McCombs, I’m very happy to know that I have few regrets. One thing I definitely don’t regret is being a co-chair of the McCombs Admissions Committee, or MAC, as we affectionately call it. If you’ve ever come to McCombs for a class visit, information session, or Texas Friday event, you’ve interacted with the MAC – we are the student organization that represents the full-time MBA program to prospective students. The great thing about leading this group is that we’re all volunteers – that is, we all want to be there, talking about our experiences, and helping others through the MBA application process. Over the past two years, I have been consistently overwhelmed by how much my classmates love our program and love to talk about it.

Being on the MAC has been one of the absolute highlights of my MBA experience. It’s given me the opportunity to meet prospective students and help them get to the MBA program that’s right for them. It’s helped me to get to know my own classmates better. It’s given me the chance to get to know the wonderful staff in the Program Office. And finally, it’s allowed me to give back to the school that’s given me some of the best years I can remember. It will be hard to leave this place, but like any place you call home, I know that I’m welcome back any time, and I plan to visit often. HOOK ‘EM!

 

Sudamsh Reddy won a national case challenge

While researching about business schools, it was clear to me that McCombs would be a good fit if I wanted to be in Energy sector after my MBA.  However, I had never heard of Austin before and I did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by Austin when I came over here. The city is very casual and friendly, it is like a college town but with all the facilities of a city. Looking back at my two years, I am very happy with my decision to have come to McCombs for my MBA. Being a class size of around two-hundred and fifty, it is a tight knit community and the school provides lots of opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds. For instance, study groups in the first year are formed to include people for various geographic/cultural and professional backgrounds.

The UT Tower was lit orange in honor of Sudamsh and his team's win in the national case challenge

 

It is gratifying to have been a witness to the changing lives of so many talented individuals. Wherever we go, I know that our ties will be connected because of McCombs and UT. Thank you, McCombs School of Business for this fantastic experience. Congratulations, class of 2012, Hook’em!

 

(Watch this video on YouTube)

One Last Word: Part 2

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My fellow bloggers and some of my very accomplished classmates decided to collaborate to write about our best experiences about McCombs in the last two years.

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY) 

Gui and his team trying to imitate Professor Anitesh Barua

Guilherme Sessa travelled from Brazil, went on a trip to South Africa and will now travel every week as a management consultant.

As an international student, the first thing I noticed after joining McCombs was that most of the companies did not hire internationals. A lesson I learned and a good tip for int’l students is to try to focus on companies and industries that do hire internationals. I found that consulting firms in general have no problem doing that, and I ended up getting an internship at Deloitte Consulting, even though my initial plans did not include doing consulting. I think that keeping an open mind is very important in the job search process.

Another significant thing that happened while at McCombs was that me and 3 other classmates co-founded a start-up called Escapaide while taking Prof Doggett’s Opportunity Identification and Analysis class. We found an opportunity in the business travel market and tried to seize it while attending classes. We competed and won 3rd place in the University of Louisville business plan competition, which was very exciting. We also competed in other business plan competitions and didn’t make it to the final round, but we were more interested in the feedback that the judges gave us so that we could improve our business plan.

The last experience I’d like to share is going to the McCombs Global Trip to South Africa, which I did during spring break. It was one of the most memorable times I had as an MBA student, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it. I got to know a lot of classmates that I didn’t have much contact with during the first three semesters, and we all had an amazing time. I would definitely go back to South Africa on vacation!”

 

Al joins the global connections group for dinner in South Africa

Not to be satisfied with a global trip, Blogger Al Ntiri spent a semester in South Africa

I recently returned from South Africa where I spent my spring semester. Being back in Austin only a week, I have rediscovered what I love about Texas and what drew me here in the first place. My classmates are some of the smartest, hard-working people I have ever met; yet they are still fun and down to earth. On top of that, Austin has made the last two years truly special with its unique combination of live music, outdoorsy culture, and an all-encompassing group of people. No matter where I go from here, it will be tough to match my experience in this program.

 

Solu is always cheerful, but she works unbelievably hard

Solu Nwanze was one of our most active leaders on campus

I will miss the hustle and bustle of Carpenter Center, the program office and the tables near the family statue at the McCombs South entrance. My classmates and I typically exchange a smile, a quick chat or a high-five as we rush through the hallway to our next class, meeting or lunch. I will miss the vibrant life of Austin, it has been my home away from home. I have made great friends in Austin and would miss our frequent dinner or downtown meet-ups.

My overall experience at McCombs can be described with one word “priceless”. I will not replace my past two years with anything else. The MBA experience – whether it be course work, MBA+ project, case competition, student organization activity or MBA socials – enriched my view of business, leadership and communication. I will take this experience with my as I move forward with my personal and professional encounters. I am proud to be a McCombs MBA! Hook ‘em!

 

Eugene is in Cohort 1 or Unos as they call themselves

Eugene Lin is American but he used these two years to make friends with international students

The international student community is amazing at McCombs in terms of their unique cultural background and work experiences. At McCombs, students and professors are always eager to hear from international students during discussion and make them feel welcome. My time here at McCombs has also allowed me to meet lifelong friends that I would not only want to start a business with, but also be around. My greatest takeaway from my two years at McCombs, is knowing that I can call on this wonderful group of people to back me up wherever I go throughout the world.

 

TO BE CONTINUED. CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR PART 3!

One Last Word: Part 1

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An hour ago, I finished my last examination. I think I am still in denial. It’s not over yet, there are the cohort games, the barbeque with our families at the Salt Lick, other disorientation events and then there is graduation. But truth is that after the events of this week, I will no longer be catching the UT shuttle to 2100 Speedway Drive every morning. In order to relive these memories, my fellow bloggers and some of my very accomplished classmates decided to collaborate to write about our best experiences about McCombs in the last two years.

Texas MBAs at a McCombs social event

Alex Niebrugge and his friends attend a social event at McCombs

Blogger Alex Niebrugge will work in Thailand for a while

I am sad for my time in Austin to end.  I am excited to start my career, but business school, and the friends I have made here, exceeded my expectations.  I am impressed with how strong the Texas brand is and how welcoming alumni were during my job search.  Professors Jim Nolen, Sandy Leeds, Michael Brandl, and Jonathan Cohn were incredible professors that I will not forget.

I will miss 70 degree weather in October, the Trailer Park (trashy) taco from Torchy’s, Ping Pong and FIFA with Jeff and Vimal, having Friday’s off, Scott’s open mic performances at Mellow Mushroom, Rudy’s St. Louis ribs, 6 week winter breaks, Maiko sushi happy hour, basketball Friday’s, tennis with Neil and Jenner, and lucking out with two great, clean roommates in Bryan and David.

I will be working in Energy Finance after school and moving to Thailand this fall for work for six months and then I will move to the Bay Area after my time in Thailand.  I will miss my friends and Austin.

Group of Texas MBAs flashing the Hook'em Horns sign

Soo Young, second from the left sure knows how to hook’em

But Soo Young Lee will return to work for the South Korean government

Texas, is it a desert? No!  Austin, is it Texas? Well… :) It was such a unique experience to mingle with people from all around the world, and learn not only from competitive faculties but also from colleagues. McCombs MBA program was always filled with passion and excitement, and the experience of being a part of this proud community will be a great asset for the last of my life. Hook’em Horns, forever!

Team of Texas MBAs celebrate their victory in an MBA golf tournament

Morgan was on the team of second years that claimed a victory in the MBA Crenshaw Cup

Blogger Morgan Brown was always the soul of any gathering

I think what I’ll miss the most is the community. Part of what made business school so great is that we all – with a few exceptions – chose to be here, unlike in college where it was the next step in our educations. I enjoyed the vibrant environment of being around so many people who want to change the world in ways small and large. It was invigorating and refreshing, and I’ll always cherish my two years at McCombs.

Because of Daisuke Hori, we learnt a little bit more about Japan

One of the most my memorable moments in Texas MBA was sharing good times with foreign, exchange, and US students.  Staying with them taught me the different cultural perspectives of each country and enriched my view for the world. I’ll start working for my sponsoring company to expand the business into Asia market after my graduation. I believe my experience here will definitely bring me a higher level of collaborating with various kinds of people in the global arena.

A Texas MBA project team stands in front of the historic Magnolia Cafe

My (Anwesha) small business finance team did a project with Austin’s historic Magnolia Cafe

Photobooth photos of Kristin with friends

Kristin really likes photo booths

Blogger Kristin Miller will miss the photo booths

It’s bittersweet and a bit overwhelming to be writing a few lines for the final blog post from the class of 2012. We were asked to reflect on what we will miss most about our time at McCombs and it’s an easy call to say I’ll miss this incredible community of students. It’s gratifying to see my friends get their dream jobs, but also sad to think that in less than a month we will start to scatter across the country and world. No longer will it be virtually guaranteed that I’ll run into someone I know everywhere I go – be it Whole Foods, a bar downtown, or at a food trailer or my favorite restaurant. But of course it is also exciting to think that now a whole lot of cities just got added to my “must visit” list!

TO BE CONTINUED. CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR PART 2!

Hey you! International Student

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Last month, UT held a university wide event called Explore UT. Thousands of school students accompanied by their parents and teachers toured the campus all day and participated in many fun activities.  One of the events was specifically aimed at promoting cultural diversity on campus. UT International students from countries all over the world were asked to volunteer to write names of school children in their native languages. I volunteered to write in my native language Bengali.

Students line up for a class photo in the shape of Texas

What really surprised me was the huge diversity of cultures and nationalities at UT. I found several volunteers who were native speakers and many American students were learning foreign languages.  It is testimony to the diversity of the student population of UT. Surely, this would not have been possible has UT not been receptive to international students. In fact, the infrastructure at UT and at McCombs for international students is very supportive of the immigration legalities. This is definitely one of the important reasons that attracted me to the McCombs School of Business.

It is that time of the year when first years are wrapping up their internship search and second year MBAs are sitting on full-time job offers. In the past, I have received a lot of e-mails from prospective students about finding jobs, getting visa sponsorship etc, so I want to answer all those questions in this forum. Please note, I am speaking from my experience as a student who went through this process. I am not an immigration expert.

Question: Can I turn to anyone for advice and help with applying for F1 visa?

Yes! UT has a very effective and efficient International Office located in campus that helped me file my F1 visa when I was admitted to McCombs. They even advised me on what documents I needed if I wanted to travel to India during the winter break.  Additionally, the International office continuously sends travel advisory updates,  issues I-20 cards and has advising hours five days a week for any immigration related questions that you may have. McCombs also has an international advisor who helps us with recruitment and discusses any concerns that we may have.

Question: I am an international student. Will I need visa sponsorship to work in USA during summer?

No. USCIS allows all international students to work in summer as long as they have completed the requisite paperwork for a CPT application. Continuous Practical Training is an application to work in a field related to your study (in the form of a summer internship or part time work in the second year of MBA) and does not require any visa. The student advisors at the International Office helped me complete the paperwork required to apply for CPT.

Question: If I want to work for a company that does not sponsor visas, what are my options?

You can work for that company in summer using your CPT. You can even continue working for them part-time in the second year. It has often happened in the past that companies were so impressed by McCombs students that they changed their HR policies and sponsored H1B visas for those students.

Question: Do companies that hire students on campus sponsor H1B visas?

Yes. McCombs Career Services requires us to specify in our resumes that we will need sponsorship to work legally in USA. Country of citizenship is NOT required in our resumes. When companies hire us on campus, they are fully committed to sponsoring H1B visas.

Question: If I do not find a job by graduation, what can I do?

USCIS allows all students 60 days from the day of graduation to apply for an Employment Authorization (EAD) Card via OPT i.e. Optional Practical Training. With an approved EAD, you can stay/work in USA for twelve more months provided you find employment within 90 days of the start date of your OPT. Effectively, you have 5 months from the date of graduation to find a job. You do NOT need H1B visa for the twelve month duration of the OPT. Again, the highly efficient International office at UT requires all international students to take OPT application training in their final semester. They also helped me file my application earlier last month.

And yes! The international office is fun too! Tonight they are playing a French movie and only us international students are invited to watch for free! Every month, the International office organizes trips to places such as the NASA Space Center in Houston or Sea World at San Antonio or Fredericksburg in New Braunfels. Aye Aye UT!

The Survivor’s Guide to Cold Calling

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Many a good management article has been written about cracking cases and about good class participation. But I am yet to come across one that shows you how to survive cold calling from your professor in a case based course. After chartering my way through three semesters of courses where cold calling was involved, I think I may have found the secret recipe at last. Without further ado and at absolutely no charge, here are my top five strategies on how to survive this ordeal.

Paul and Prof Doggett

Paul Pine, MBA'12 can no longer take it sitting down as he shares a moment with Professor John Doggett

  1. Develop a lengthy and complicated first name: This is the time to thank your parents for a name like “Anwesha”. Nobody gets it right ever. Don’t even try to shorten your name to something like “An” that is easier to spell. In the heat of the moment, no instructor wants to make a bad job of incorrectly pronouncing your name. It kills the suspense and breaks the tension. Remember never to show mercy on the professor by helping him/her pronounce your name. If you were born with a name like “Mike” or “Amy”, you better start preparing every case for every class.
  2. Always sit in the first row in class: Even after all these years of teaching, professors still think that the front row is the best prepared. It worked in India and it works in USA, so this has to be a universal law. Pass a helpful smile to the professor and nod when he/she makes a comment. It is a deceptive technique guaranteed to make the instructor believe that you have done your homework
  3. Do your homework: Yes, regardless of the boring twang to this strategy, it does work. Even if you have a career related interview every week and weekend (or at least that is what you tell yourself when you are “networking” with friends), there will be times when you will pick up the textbook and read before the class. Use those opportunities to participate and collect brownie points. Remember, the professor only cold calls those students who speak rarely in class
  4. Know the Teaching Assistant’s favourite blend of coffee: No, this is not unethical. In the world of discussion based classes, the TA is your Google. She knows the classes where detailed preparation is necessary and when the professor is in a good mood. Admitted, TA’s at UT have very high ethical standards, so don’t try to suggest anything unscrupulous because it is going to backfire. But when you need a little extra information about the case or the class, the TA is the best resource available
  5. Visit office hours: Visit the professor and ask questions. Show that you are genuinely interested in the course. (It is hard to fake this one really!). Most students are surprised to find that the seemingly malevolent Professor they met in class is such a kind, warm and helpful person during office hours. Use this opportunity to establish a good relationship. These meetings can have unexpected benefits including being struck off the cold-call list. But often, the real value is learning something about the professor’s research and even getting a recommendation for a job in your dream company. In business school, some of the greatest takeaways can come from outside of the classroom.  But caveat emptor: under no circumstances should you help the Professor pronounce your first name.

MBA ‘Significant Other’ – Aditi Munjal

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Aditi Mungal, wife of Rishi Munjal (MBA 2012) shares her experience in Austin as a significant other

Hello friends!

Rishi and Aditi

Rishi and Aditi take ride on the E-BUS in downtown Austin after a Thursday Think n' Drink

This is Aditi Munjal from New Delhi, India. I came to Austin as a “significant other” when my husband Rishi Munjal joined the MBA program at McCombs in 2010. I have an MBA degree from Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Ghaziabad in India and was working in an HR consulting firm in Hyderabad when we decided to move to Austin. I also have four years of work experience in CitiFinancial Consumer Finance as an assistant manager in the credit and risk department.

So here I was in the United States for the first time in my life. Many people told me that I should forget about seeing my husband Rishi for at least the next two semesters. However, things turned out to be better than I had expected.  Staying close to school (West Campus area) was helpful, as I could see my husband more often either at home or at school. I missed my job and family, but I made friends with the MBA students and their spouses (we are really good friends now!!) and in many ways became a part of the program.  Regular Thinks n Drinks on Thursday nights, visits to the 6th street, Indian Graduate Business Association parties and pot lucks kept my social life going. Rishi also took time from school to show me around Austin to make me feel at home!!

UT offers a warm welcome to Texas MBA students and their spouses. SAS (Students and Significant Others) organizes a happy hour every month in any of the pubs on 6th street.  I have started volunteering for ISFM (International Student Friendship Ministry), which is an international student group that offers a wide range of opportunities like  Discover America (of which I  am going to be a part of  soon) , Life groups( every Friday ) , Foodie group (every Thursday in Farwest) and many more social activities.  At home, I enjoy Yoga, reading, catching up with my family in India and sometimes cooking.

I’d love to let you know more about me and my life at Austin later!! If you have any questions about life as a significant other, do shoot me an e-mail at aditi13bajaj@gmail.com.

Hook’em